There has been a recent uptake in interest in a 28 page congressional report linking Saudi Arabia to the September 11th terrorist attacks. Saudi Arabia is said to be an ally of the United States, but many believe the Saudis were complicit with the extremist attacks. In 2002, the Bush administration ordered the now infamous 28-page document to be permanently sealed. Senator Bob Graham, one of the main proponents for the release of the documents, pins the Saudis as a principal financial backer for 9/11. It is clearly in the United States’ best interest to declassify these documents. If the declassification is allowed to occur, victims of terrorism will be permitted to sue those responsible for their distress. This action is currently barred by congress, but congress is looking to enact legislation allowing for the lawsuits. Currently, Saudi Arabia is threatening to sell $750 billion in US based assets if the documents are released. While this is unmistakably inauspicious, America should not give into financial blackmail. Osama Bin Ladin and al-Queda have a long history with the Saudis. If congress would release the documents, perhaps we could uncover the truth. Out of respect for the families and victims of 9/11, congress should declassify the documents and allow for justice to occur.

Mr. Reid is general practice attorney in Birmingham, Alabama. He has worked for republican leadership in the house in D.C. and was a health policy advisor to the governor of Alabama. You can contact him by email at chris.reid@reidlawalabama.com or by phone at 205-913-7406. For a full description of the Reid Law Firm's practice areas, please visit reidlawalabama.com. Our firm practices the following areas of law: wills, trust, and estates, divorce and family, DUI and drug offenses (only first and second time offenses), and car accident cases. We also handle business law, including formation of business entities and drafting contracts. Additionally, I co-host Yellowhammer News every Monday during lunch from 11-12 on 101.1 fm Birmingham (but our show is broadcast throughout most of the state).